Behind The Official AWG Theme Song

The 2026 Arctic Winter Games’ official theme song “All We Are (We Are Together)” has been playing prominently all week, providing a united cheer for all the participants, and uplifting the community in northern spirit. Now it’s time to take a look behind the music of the Games and what makes it an important part of the events.

Written by singer/songwriter Diyet Van Lieshout, who’s no stranger to the Games, explains that even though AWG is a major sporting event, it’s also very much about connections. 

“I always see the games as, while they’re sporting events, they’re also really important northern circumpolar connections” she says, “these are connections that last lifetimes and these kinds of events change lives for young people.” 

For the tune her approach is exactly based on that sentiment, wanting to capture the connectedness across the circumpolar north and the vibrancy, joy and pride that people have by being from the north. Van Lieshout talks about incorporating the spirit from the Games into the song, citing friendly competition and the way participants show their strong characters as major parts of the creation process. 

Van Lieshout already had a melody ready, choosing an uplifting and emotional tone. And by working together with Yukon musician and producer, Jordy Walker, they ended up with a song that perfectly uplifts and inspires the listener. It was also really important for Van Lieshout to have young people involved in its creation as this was their moment, which is why she did not end up singing on the track herself.

Finally the whole song was then brought to life by singer Lenita Alatini and backed by Big Cedar Youth singers, “it was really special” Van Lieshout says, praising Alatini’s incredible life long vocal talent and the experience of working with the youth singers “it’s everything that I thought it could be.”

During the opening ceremonies, the song was performed live by Alatini and members of Big Cedar Youth, closing out the event with a shared energy that brings everyone together. The theme song will continue to play throughout the rest of the games, spreading Van Lieshout’s message of togetherness and strength among northern communities.

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Photo credit: Thorsten Gohl / Arctic Winter Games